As we look forward to the 12th Year of the Arlington Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day 2017, we give thanks to our community of Arlington. Our registrants (over 4,000 strong), sponsors, volunteers, neighbors, parishioners and, perhaps most importantly, our beneficiaries who work tirelessly to help those in our community who need a hand up!

From the time that Pastor Brian Webster came to town to lead Christ Church of Arlington, he set his sights and heart on reaching out to the community to assist the poor and needy—those in search of a friend, good food, child care—a place to call home. Brian identified two nonprofit agencies—Doorways for Women and Families and Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless (now Bridges to Independence)—which provide homes for families, including women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

The vehicle that was developed to reach out to and rally the community was the November 2006 5K Arlington Turkey Trot that attracted 300 runners, joggers, walkers and strollers. Now, eleven years later, Christ Church, together with the original charities and the Arlington Food Assistance Center, A-SPAN, Arlington Thrive, OAR, and Young Life will launch the 12th annual Turkey Trot which, by now, has become an Arlington tradition.

The 2006 Trot raised $4,200 for the beneficiaries, in 2016, with over 4,000 registrants, $100,000 was generated for the five beneficiaries,. Over the past 11 years, the race registrants and business sponsors have raised over $460,000 to help Arlington residents who need a “hand up.”

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Thousands of individuals, businesses and community groups have, over the years, provided cash, prizes (particularly gift certificates), and food for hungry Arlingtonians as well as race participants. Last year, at the Lyon Park post race ceremony, over 2,000 bananas and 200 cases of water were consumed.

In 2015, 25 Arlington police mapped out and monitored the course along with 40 course marshal volunteers. Dozens of dogs and strollers traversed the course, often slowly but surely. The winning time was 16:29. Hundreds of hours are spent by church members, staff, volunteers and paid consultants following up, planning and implementing the Trot each year, starting in April. Based on a recent survey question, the vast majority of “trotters” run for fun and Arlington Magazine rated the Arlington Turkey Trot Arlington’s #1 local race/charity run.